Hair Massage Device

ABSTRACT

The device combines the detangling capability of a comb or brush with the ability to massage lotions and other hair treatments into the hair follicles and through the entire length of each hair strand. A two-jaw clamping or clamshell design is provided with an interchangeable brush or comb element attached to one of the jaws and a pair of soft rollers extending from the other jaw element. The two jaws are detachable from one another in order to permit the user to operate the comb or brush portion separate from the rollers. When fully assembled, the comb or brush protrudes through the pair of rollers when the jaws of the device are clamped together. There may be an additional mechanism within the device to provide internal vibrations in the housing to propagate through the entire device and into the user&#39;s hair in order to aid in the detangling, smoothing and treatment application processes. One or more additional versions may also include vibrating or oscillating rows of bristles in the brush or comb element. Another embodiment provides a combination motor and offset weight on the end of the upper jaw assembly. In another form, the upper housing and jaw assembly are separable from the lower jaw assembly and housing, so as to provide a vibrating comb/brush without the need to use the rollers on the lower jaw assembly.

This application is filed within one year of, and claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/133,195, filed Mar. 13, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to combs and brushes for hair beautification and, more specifically, to a Hair Massage Device.

2. Description of Related Art

Hair styling and beautification has been a major focus of the personal care product industry for many years. The evolution of the industry has produced products ranging from lotions and treatments to devices and methods. Some products are intended to cure perceived hair defects or problem areas, and some others are for achieving particular styling choices and options. Furthermore, other products seek to maintain high quality and healthy hair condition.

Uwano, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0312319 is a “Vibrating Hair Iron with Noncontact Switch.” The Uwano device is clamped over a user's hair. Heat is applied by opposing heating plates as the user draws the device down the clump of hair. The Uwano device has an internal mechanism that creates vibrations within the device as it is being drawn down the hair for the articulated purpose of assisting the heated plates in straightening the user's hair.

Imai et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,107 is a “Hair Styling Appliance” that combines a heated hair iron (like Uwano) with brush bristles located alongside the heating plates. The Imai device also has a mechanism for generating internal vibrations through a “sonic vibration horn.”

Habibi, U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,289 for “Hair Styling Device and Method of Operation.” The Habibi device also is a hair iron. The Habibi device includes safety features related to the prevention of harm from the user burning themselves, and further discloses a the ability to generate vibrations in the device from an offset weight coupled with a rotating motor within the handle housing of the device.

Nunomura I, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0266378 is an “Ultrasonic Wave Hair Set Apparatus.” Nunomura II, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0288675 is a “Ultrasonic Vibration Device for Hairstyling and Hair Styling Apparatus Having the Same.” Both Nunomura devices incorporate a sonic vibration horn similar to the Imai device, as well as heated plates for straightening the user's hair.

is an iron for clamping around a clump of the user's hair

While each of these prior devices may perform the hair straightening function that they articulate is their intention, none of these devices suggests that the use of their product will actually improve the health of the user's hair. While they all seem to be able to apply heated plates to clumps of the user's hair, none are capable to assisting the user in spreading lotions or treatments to the hair in a way that will improve the condition of the hair when the user does not wish to heat and/or straighten their hair.

What is needed is a comb or brush that permits the user to electively comb or brush their hair where the device also has treatment rollers that the hair will pass over to apply and/or distribute lotions or conditioners to the hair. The application of a massaging and/or vibrating motion within the device as well as oscillating motion in the brush bristles or comb teeth would improve the conditioning effect to the hair while also stimulating the production of Keratin in the hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to provide a Hair Massage Device. The device should combine the detangling capability of a comb or brush with the ability to massage lotions and other hair treatments into the hair follicles and through the entire length of each hair strand. A two-jaw clamping or clamshell design would be preferred with an interchangeable brush or comb element attached to one of the jaws and a pair of soft rollers extending from the other jaw element. The two jaws should be detachable from one another in order to permit the user to operate the comb or brush portion separate from the rollers. When fully assembled, the comb or brush should protrude through the pair of rollers when the jaws of the device are pushed together. There should be additional mechanical apparatus within the device to provide internal vibrations in the housing to propagate through the entire device and into the user's hair in order to aid in the detangling, smoothing and treatment application processes. One or more additional versions may also include vibrating or oscillating rows of bristles in the brush or comb element. Additional embodiments should also be available. One such embodiment should provide a combination motor and offset weight on the end of the upper jaw assembly. In another form, the upper housing and jaw assembly should be separable from the lower jaw assembly, so as to provide a vibrating comb/brush without needing to use the rollers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hair massage device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is a second partial exploded perspective view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are top views of optional bristles modules for the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a second alternate embodiment of the hair massage device of the present invention; and

FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the steps to convert the device from the original embodiment to the second alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide a Hair Massage Device.

The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration of FIG. 1.¹ FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the hair massage device 10 of the present invention. The major components of the device 10 are the upper housing 12 and the lower housing 14. These housings 12, 14 are interconnected by a pivot hinge 16. An upper jaw assembly 18 extends from the distal end of the upper housing 12. In some versions, the upper housing 12 may actually incorporate all or part of the upper jaw assembly 18. ¹ As used throughout this disclosure, element numbers enclosed in square brackets [ ] indicates that the referenced element is not shown in the instant drawing figure, but rather is displayed elsewhere in another drawing figure.

The lower jaw assembly 20 extends from the distal end of the lower housing 14. In some versions of the device 10, the lower housing 14 may incorporate all or part of the lower jaw assembly 20. A control button 22 provides the user with the control of the mechanised features of the device 10, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The upper housing 12 is detachable from the lower housing 14 (i.e. the pivot hinge 16) is only permanently attached on one housing (14 or 16), but is detachable from the other housing. The user may wish to detach the housings from each other so that they can comb or brush their hair without clamping it between the upper jaw assembly 18 and lower jaw assembly 20.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device 10 of FIG. 1. The top surface of the upper housing 12 is defined by an upper grip wall 24. Similarly, the bottom surface of the lower housing 14 is defined by lower grip wall 26. The grip walls 24, 26 preferably have ridges formed along the surface (potentially made from soft, rubberized material) in order to provide the user with a non-slip grip of the device 10.

There is a biasing assembly 30 between the lower housing 14 and the upper housing 12, adjacent to the pivot hinge 16. The biasing assembly 30 urges the housings 12, 14 away from one another (in direction F), which causes the jaws to open as shown in FIG. 3. From the side, it can be seen that the bristle element tips 28A (which extend from the upper jaw assembly 18) protrude through the lower jaw assembly 20. There is an interlocking joint 17 between the pivot hinge 16 and either the lower housing 14 or the upper housing 12. The joint 17 allows the two housing 14, 16 to be detached from one another either for storage/maintenance, or so that the user can use the upper jaw assembly 18 as a standalone comb/brush (potentially having vibrating or moving bristles). FIG. 3 illuminates the construction that provides this functionality.

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the opened condition. Biasing element 34 (a spring, cushion or pad) has urged the upper housing 12 and lower housing 14 to pivot away from one another. The user can then use his or her grip on the housings 12, 14 to press the housings 12, 14 back together on the hair to be massaged. In this way, the upper and lower jaw assemblies 18, 20 can move in direction “M.” A stop element 36 is provided between the upper and lower jaw assemblies 18, 20 in order to prevent the user from pinching his or her hair between them. It also prevents the user's hair from getting pinched between the upper and lower housings 12, 14.

In this version, a brush-type bristle element 32A is fitted onto the upper jaw assembly 18. The bristle elements 40A extend downward from the upper jaw assembly 18 such that they extend past the lower jaw assembly 20 when the jaw assemblies 18, 20 are closed as depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 provides additional detail regarding the arrangement of the elements.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the device 10 of FIGS. 1-3 having the end cap [52] removed. The bristle module 32 attaches to an elongate channel that runs longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the upper jaw assembly 18. This T-shaped channel 38 allows the various bristle modules 32 to be slid on and off of the upper jaw assembly 18, as will be discussed further below in connection with FIG. 5.

The lower jaw assembly 20 has a pair of roller elements 48A, 48B that extend over the length of the upper jaw assembly 18. These roller elements 48S, 48B are preferably made from flocked natural or synthetic material, however, other materials are possible, including sponge (natural or synthetic), padded nylon, and other materials.

In order to use the device 10, the user allows the biasing element [34] to urge the upper and lower housings 12, 14 to pivot apart. The hair is then clamped between the upper and lower jaw assemblies 18, 20 (near the user's scalp) so that it is running between the bristle elements 40A and the roller elements 48A, 48B. The user then draws the device 10 down their hair in order to stimulate the Keratin composition in the hair so that it will absorb hair treatment formulations. The roller elements 48A, 48B are free to roll as the user draws the device 10 down their hair. In addition to stimulating the Keratin in the hair, it will also cause a smoothing/polishing effect to the hair, as well as assisting in the smooth distribution of the hair treatment formulations applied to the hair. FIG. 5 provides more information about this device 10.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the upper portion of the device [10] of FIGS. 1-4. The upper housing 12 terminates in the tip housing portion 44. The biasing element guide 46A is adjacent to the pivot hinge 16 and contains a central pin that serves to center and retain the biasing element [34]. The biasing element guide 46A prevents the upper and lowerjaw assemblies from being pinched to closely together.

The bristle element 32A depicted here comprises a substrate element 42A that has a plurality of soft (or stiff) bristle elements 40A extending upwardly from it. The elongate channel 38 that runs along a substantial portion of the tip housing portion 44, and is configured to accept the substrate element 42A to be slid onto it.

Alternatively, a the bristle module 32A could be exchanged with a comb module 32B. The comb module 32B has a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid tooth elements 40B extending from its substrate element 42B. Other configurations for the modules (e.g. 32A, 32B) are contemplated, including designs that provide with moving bristle or tooth elements. In such configurations, the elongate channel 38 may be replaced with another mounting design for the modules (e.g. 32A, 32B). FIG. 6 focuses on the other major assembly comprising the device [10].

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the device [10] of FIGS. 1-4. A biasing element guide 46B mates with the guide [46A] on the upper portion. As should be apparent, the biasing element [34] is captured between the cup forms of the two guides [46A], 46B. The lower housing 14 extends from the pivot hinge 16 to the lower jaw assembly 20. The stop element 36 is positioned at the end of the lower housing 14 closest to the lower jaw assembly 20.

The lower jaw assembly 20 has a pair of roller elements 48A, 48B extending from the distal end of the lower housing 14. The roller elements 48A, 48B slip onto individual roller armatures 50A, 50B, and are allowed to rotate thereon (i.e. while the user pulls their hair through the device [10] between the brush/comb and the rollers 48A, 48B). The roller elements 48A, 48B are retained on the armatures 50A by end cap 52, which snaps onto the armatures 50A, 50B. The end cap 52 must be removed in order to remove/replace the roller elements 48A, 48B. FIG. 7 provides an exploded view of a pair of roller elements 48A, 48B being slipped onto the armatures 50A, 50B. As shown, the central bores 54 of the roller elements 48A, 48B are designed to cooperate with the armatures 50A, 50B so that the roller elements 48A, 48B will rotate without binding, but also without excess space which would result in a sloppy fit between the elements.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the device 10 of FIGS. 1-4. In this version, a mechanism is included that will provide cause the device 10 to vibrate while the user is combing their hair. This vibrating motion is intended to stimulate the hair's Keratin composition, as well as to increase luster and shine. There are batteries 58 contained within the upper housing 12. These batteries 58 could be simple alkaline batteries, or they could be rechargeable by an internal or external battery charger. A drive motor 56 is powered by the batteries 58 to drive shaft 60 to rotate. An offset weight 62 is provided near the end of the shaft 60 to create an off-balance force as the shaft 60 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 56. This creates the vibrations in the device 10. It should be noted that the offset weight 62 is positioned in spaced relation to the drive motor 56. This serves to focus the vibrations at or near to the midpoint of the tip housing portion, so that user gripping the upper 12 and lower [14] housings does not dampen the vibration, and therefore the maximum vibrating force is imparted where the user's hair is being drawn though the device 10.

A variety of options related to the bristle/tooth designs are contemplated. Some examples of these options are provided in FIGS. 9A-9C and in FIG. 10. FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are top views of optional bristles modules for the device [10] of FIGS. 1-4. The version 32C of FIG. 9A includes the mechanism to cause the center row of brush bristles to oscillate back and forth in the direction of the arrows. This mechanism will be located within the upper jaw assembly [18] and possibly within the upper housing [12], and is generally an electric drive motor and linkages to create oscillating motion in one or more rows of bristle elements.

In this version 32C, the outer rows of bristles will remain stationary. Alternatively 32D, the center row of bristles may remain stationary, and the outer rows of bristles oscillate back and forth relative to the center row of bristles (and relative to the device housing). These two alternate designs are in contrast to the stationary, yet vibrating bristle modules 32A, 32B discussed above in connection with the introduction of the device [10]. In addition to mechanization, the device 10 may incorporate a variety of bristle configurations. As shown in FIG. 10, the center row of bristle elements 40AC are relatively thin and shorter than the rest of the bristle elements. The main outer rows of bristle elements 40AB are thicker and perhaps slightly longer than the center bristle elements 40AC, while the corner bristle elements 40AA are the longest and thickest of all of the bristle elements. Employing bristle elements having a variety of lengths and thicknesses will create flexibility in how well the bristles work with particular hair types, styles and follicle lengths.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of an alternate embodiment 10A of the device of FIGS. 1-4. In the interest of simplicity, cost reduction and overall weight reduction, the vibration-producing drive motor has been relocated from the upper housing [12] and into the housing of the upper jaw assembly 18A. This can reduce the weight of the upper housing 12A and/or it could increase the size of the batteries 58A. The drive motor 56A has a rotating shaft 60A extending from it. As can be seen, the shaft 60A is much shorter than the shaft [60] of the prior-described version. The offset weight 62A is essentially the same as that [62] previously-described. In this depiction, the fine-toothed comb 32C is shown as being attached to the upper jaw assembly 18A—the fine-toothed comb 32C is well-suited for styling of the user's hair. FIGS. 12A-13D describe other optional configurations for the device.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a second alternate embodiment 10B of the hair massage device of the present invention. This device 10B is the result of the elimination of the lower housing and lower jaw assembly, as will be discussed below. The resulting device 10B is limited to the upper housing 12/12A and the upper jaw assembly 18/18A (and the internal vibration-generating mechanism). In FIG. 12A, a tapered, wide-toothed comb element 32D has been attached to the upper jaw assembly 18/18A. This comb element 32D has been found to be particularly well suited for treating hair when it is dry.

In FIG. 12B, a non-tapered, wide-toothed comb element 32E has been attached to the upper jaw assembly 18/18A. This comb element 32E has the tips 70 of the teeth dipped or coated in a pliable or rubberized material. These coated tips 70 have been found to work very well in the treatment of wet hair.

FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the steps to convert the device from the original embodiment [10/10A] to the second alternate embodiment 10B. The lower subassembly (comprising the lower jaw assembly 20, lower housing 14, pivot hinge and end cap portion 72 are removed from the power interface portion 76 (at the distal end of the upper housing 12/12A). A simple end cap 74 is then placed over the power interface portion 76 to create the second alternate hair massage device 10B.

In summary, the following describes the benefits of the device [10] to the user's wet and dry hair:

Wet Hair

-   -   The housing (elements [12/14/18/20]) is waterproof so that it         can be used with wet hair.     -   Aid in the application of lotions, hair colorings, conditioners         (treatments) to the hair follicles.     -   The high frequency vibration and/or oscillation stimulates         keratin structure of hair to better absorb and more evenly         distribute and to stimulate the absorption of hair treatments.     -   The treatment rollers are made from a material that softens and         provides shine to hair and more evenly distribute the         treatments.

Dry Hair

-   -   The high frequency vibration and/or oscillation removes the         outer layer surrounding the keratin hair structure of dry and         flaky oils, residue of treatments and hair sprays previously         applied to the user's hair. This removes dulling residue and         makes the user's hair more full-bodied.     -   The bristles and teeth of the combs and brushes are coated with         an Ionic powder in order to provide an anti-frizz effect (i.e.         to shine and soften the hair).     -   Treatment rollers made from a material that softens and provides         shine to hair and more evenly distributes the hair treatment         liquids.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair treatment device, comprising: a first arm assembly comprising an upper housing and an upper jaw assembly extending therefrom, said upper jaw assembly defined by an upper jaw housing having an upper face and an opposing lower face, said lower face defined by an elongate channel along substantially the length of said lower face; a first hair treatment element detachably attached to said elongate channel; and a vibration generating assembly enclosed within and associated with said first arm assembly whereby activation of said vibration generating assembly causes said first arm assembly to vibrate.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first hair treatment element is selected from the group of a fine-toothed comb element, a wide-toothed comb element having teeth of varying lengths, and a wide-toothed comb having teeth that are partially coated with a pliable material.
 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a second arm assembly comprising a lower housing and a lower jaw assembly extending therefrom, said lower jaw assembly defined by a pair of elongate arms in relative spaced relation; and a hinge element interconnecting said first arm assembly and said second arm assembly.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said elongate arms comprise: a pair of elongate roller armatures in relative spaced relation; and a roller element encircling each said roller armature.
 5. The device of claim 4 further comprising an end cap attached to the distal ends defined by each said elongate roller armature.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said vibration generating assembly comprises a drive motor driving a rotatable shaft and an offset weight attached to the end of said shaft, wherein said drive motor is located within said upper housing and said offset weight is located within said upper jaw housing.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said vibration generating assembly comprises a drive motor driving a rotatable shaft and an offset weight attached to the end of said shaft, wherein said drive motor, rotatable shaft and said offset weight are all located within said upper jaw housing.
 8. A device for massaging a user's hair, comprising: a first arm assembly comprising an upper housing and an upper jaw assembly extending therefrom, said upper jaw assembly defined by an upper jaw housing having an upper face and an opposing lower face; and a first hair treatment element attached to said lower face.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said first hair treatment element comprises three rows of bristle elements extending substantially along the length of said upper jaw housing.
 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a drive assembly attached to one of said three rows of bristle elements to operatively cause said one row to oscillate back and forth relative to said other two of said three rows of bristle elements.
 11. The device of claim 9, further comprising a drive assembly attached to two of said three rows of bristle element to operatively cause said two rows to oscillate back and forth relative to said other of said three rows of bristle elements.
 12. A convertible hair massage device, comprising: an upper arm assembly, comprising: an upper housing having power interface portion at one end and a distal opposing end; an upper jaw assembly extending from said distal end and terminating in an opposing tip housing portion; and a hair treatment element extending from said upper jaw assembly; and a cap assembly attachable to said power interface portion, said cap assembly selected from the group of: an end cap configured to attach to said power interface portion; and a lower arm assembly, comprising: a lower housing having a first end terminating in a hinge element at one end and in a distal end opposite thereto; a lower jaw assembly extending from said lower housing distal end and terminating in a pair of roller assemblies extending therefrom; and an end cap extending from said hinge element, said end cap configured to attach to said power interface portion.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a vibration generating assembly enclosed within and associated with said upper arm assembly whereby activation of said vibration generating assembly causes said upper arm assembly to vibrate.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein said first hair treatment element is selected from the group of a fine-toothed comb element, a wide-toothed comb element having teeth of varying lengths, and a wide-toothed comb having teeth that are partially coated with a pliable material.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said roller assemblies comprise: a pair of elongate roller armatures in relative spaced relation; and a roller element encircling each said roller armature.
 16. The device of claim 15 further comprising an end cap attached to the distal ends defined by each said elongate roller armature.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein said vibration generating assembly comprises a drive motor driving a rotatable shaft and an offset weight attached to the end of said shaft, wherein said drive motor is located within said upper housing and said offset weight is located within said upper jaw housing.
 18. The device of claim 13, wherein said vibration generating assembly comprises a drive motor driving a rotatable shaft and an offset weight attached to the end of said shaft, wherein said drive motor, rotatable shaft and said offset weight are all located within said upper jaw housing. 